Additional Deterrents

The Presence of Uniformed Guards

Keep a list of emergency numbers near the telephone. Have witness
description forms available for employees and witnesses to complete
after a robbery has occurred.

Vary lunch hours and coffee breaks so several employees are always on duty.

Employees should be trained to watch for and report suspicious
actions of people inside and immediately outside the premises. Do not
hesitate to call the police when worried about a potential risk. Should
the person leave before the officer’s arrival, write down the
description of the suspect and their vehicle for possible police use. A
suspicious person that is seen today may turn out to be the robber who
returns tomorrow.

Give every customer entering the business a friendly greeting. Look
each customer directly in the eyes. A robber does not want to be
identified and such human contact may spoil it for some would-be
robbers.

The counter or work area should be cleaned regularly to remove old
fingerprints. This increases the chance that a robber may leave behind a
readable fingerprint. Oil or wax-based cleaners should not be used.

Try to have at least two employees on duty always. Employing two
clerks is a form of “target hardening” because it may make a robbery
more difficult and more unsuitable to a potential robber.

Do not be tempted to use phony signs or equipment. The use of phony
surveillance cameras, for example, can ruin the credibility of all
other security precautions. Robbers soon learn to ignore them.

Publicize the fact that the business uses good cash practices and
good protection equipment. Let would-be robbers know their profits will
be small and their risks high with signs to convey this message. These
visual deterrents (decals, placards, signs, etc.) should explain what
safe method is used (dual key, drop or time delay safe) in hopes of
thwarting a potential robber or explaining the method should a robbery
occur.

We will alert you if there are emergencies within our surrounding community...